Chapter 7

Imogene shot a impatient glance at Ashley.

"Mabel, sit down. If she can't watch where she's going, let her suffer." 

Mabel sat down leisurely, While Ashley's face turned pale with pain. 

Mabel felt a surge of satisfaction, but this was just the appetizer.

"Miss Weston, did the limited - edition bag you asked brother Richard to buy for you last night arrive yet? I'm so envious of you. There are only three of those luxury bags in the world, and you got one with just a simple request."

Imogene's face instantly darkened, and she glanced at Ashley.

"You had Richard buy you a bag, Ashley? Don't think for a second that you're really the future Mrs Andrew. I will never acknowledge you."

Ashley pressed her lips together. Mabel,well played. Not only did she trip her, but she also brought the bag matter in front of Imogene.

But was she really that easy to manipulate?

"Did Miss Anderson receive her bag? Wasn't it you who pestered Richard late at night to buy you a bag? I merely asked him to get me one as well. 

After all, the bag you chose is only four in the world. Even if am not in the spotlight the title of future Mrs Andrew still stands. If people found out that the future Mrs Andrew's bag is of the same caliber as Miss Anderson's, it would be Andrew's family reputation at stake."

Mabel's face turned pale. As soon as Ashley finished speaking, Madam Imogene's displeased gaze shifted to Mabel..

" Mabel, why are you bothering Richard so late at night? Didn't I tell you..."

Imogene's words trailed off, leaving Ashley puzzled. What had she told Mabel?

"Auntie you got it wrong. She's deliberately framing me. I didn't ask brother Richard to buy me a bag. It was he who wanted brother Richard to buy her a bag. I just mentioned that the bag looked nice and asked him to take a look at it for me," Mabel quickly explained.

Imogene nodded slightly.

"That good. Richard is busy with work, so try not to bother him with such things. It not about the bag itself. If you want something, just tell me, and I'll get it for you. But it's late, don't disturb Richard's rest."

"I'll be more careful in the future," Mabel nodded obediently.

As soon as she turned her head, Mabel shot Ashley a fierce gaze. Imogene immediately issued a Stern warning to Ashley.

"I warn you, don't you dare go out and claim you're the Andrew's family young mistress. Otherwise, I won't let you off. The position of Andrew's family young mistress needs to be reconsidered. You're not worthy of our Richard."

Ashley Weston didn't respond directly to Imogene's warning, instead she stood up 

"I'm going for a walk outside."

Sure enough, as soon as she stood up, Mabel's foot began to fidget, clearly intending to trip her. Ashley smirked subtly, knowing what Mabel was up to.

Well, she would back then!.

Suddenly, a sharp scream echoed through the living y,"Ahhh"

Ashley had been looking straight ahead, but her foot landed directly on Mabel's foot.

"Get off me, you witch ! You stepped in my foot!" Mabel snarled through gritted teeth.

"Sorry, I didn't see it. Does it hurt?" 

Ashley slowly moved her foot away leaving a deep imprint on what had been Mabel's clean foot.

"Ashley, you're so cruel! Mabel, are you okay?" Imogene asked, her voice filled with concern.

"Auntie, it hurts so much. She did it purposely! She thinks I tattled on her to you about asking brother Richard to buy her a bag. This is revenge! I swear I won't say anything again. It Hurst so bad, Auntie my foot is already swollen."

Mabel had noticed that Richard gad come downstairs too. She bent over, making herself look even more in pain.

Imogene lifted her head and glared fiercely at Ashley.

"You did it in purpose. Apologize to Mabel right now."

Ashley merely glanced at two of them before heading towards the door. What a drama queen, trying to play the victim after failing to hurt her. Ashley wasn't going to put up with it; her knee was still throbbing in pain.

"Apologize"

A cold, stern voice pierced through Audrey's eardrums from behind.

Ashley stopped reluctantly, turning her head stubbornly. Richard was staring at her icy eyes, as if trying to dissect her with x-ray vision.

"Are you deaf? I told you to apologize to Mabel."

The shout echoed louder and more severe in the vast hall, creating a reverberation.

The nearby servants were startled, glancing over cautiously.

Ashley narrowed her eyes, staring coldly at Richard.

Mad dog! Do you even know the truth?

Just because you saw Mabel Anderson's fake tears, you immediately turned against me?

Richard was fuming inside. He has just witnessed Ashley deliberately steppion Mabel's foot. Now, instead of apologizing, she was being stubborn and unreasonable.

Moreover, if the media outside found out about Ashley's arrival, it would undoubtedly cause a storm. The Andrew's family reputation, built over generations, would be tarnished. The prestigious Andrew's family marrying the ugliest woman in New York city what a disgrace for any noble family.

And there was another thing. He, who had always suffered from insomnia, had slept soundly last night, inhaling the scent this woman left on his bed. He even woke up half an hour later than usual.

It was the best night's sleep he had in five years.

This unfamiliar change made him uneasy, and had a vague sense of losing control.

"Forget it, brother Richard, don't be so harsh on Miss Weston. I'm feeling much better now."

Mabel's tearful plea sounded like the chirping of sparrow to Richard. Annoyed, he redirected all his anger towards Ashley.

" This is your final warning. Apologize. I'm counting down from three. If you don't, you will face the consequences."

Richard, with his towering figure and imposing presence, naturally exerted a psychological pressure on everyone around him.

Ashley bit her risy lips and clenched her fists. This jerk had already stepped on her bride; there was no way she was going to apologize to Mabel.

Mabel struggled to hide her inner delight. She knew that this ugly duckling had no stand in the Andrew's family and Richard wouldn't help her.

After a few seconds tense silence, it seemed like 

Ashley had finally succumbed to the pressure. She lowered her head slightly, as if preparing to apologize.

Richard's dark, ink-like eyes flickered. This woman was incredibly stubborn but at least she was willing to apologize.

But to everyone's astonishment, Ashley suddenly lifted her head and said something shocking.

"Apologize? Apologize to your grandma's leg! If anyone should apologize, it's you!" 

With that, Ashley stormed back upstairs, her mood for garden stroll completely ruined.

Everyone present was stunned. Ashley had just spoken so rudely, shattering their perceptions. The Andrew's family was known for their high standards and impeccable manners, and they couldn't tolerate even a hint of vulgarity.

A few seconds later, Richard's face turned, and he roared, "lock her in her room! No food for her without my permission."

Imogene, who had just processed what happened,was so furious she almost had a heart attack. " That wretched girl! Not only is she ugly, but she's also unbearably rude. How can she ever become the Young Mistress of Andrew's family?"